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Copy 1 ' 



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NEW-YORK 



State Agricultural Qoctctu's 



TRIAL OF IMPLEMENTS 



A T 



GENEVA, 



.IIH.Y, L852. 



ALBANY: 

CHARLES VAN BBNTHUT8EN, TR1NTER, 
No. 407 Broadwuj'. 

1852. 



NEW-YORK 



State &gricultttral Society 



TRIAL OF IMPLEMENTS 



A. T 



GENEVA, 



JULY, 1852. 



ALBANY: 

CHARLES VAN BENTHUYSEN, PRINTER, 
No. 407 Broadway. 



1852. 



Ii E P O It T 



OF TUE 



Committee on ©rial of implements at ©encua, 

JULY, 1852. 



To the Executive Committee of the 

New-York State Agricultural Society : — 

Gentlemen — When we received your invitation to attend a 
trial of implements and machinery, to ascertain by actual and 
thorough trial, their uses and merits, the impression was generally 
entertained that comparative merits would occupy the attention 
of the judges and satisfy the desires of the Society. 

When, however, the judges assembled in Geneva on the 20th 
day of July, one only being absent,* it became at once evident 
that the scrutiny would not be confined to a comparison of re- 
sults ; a demand seemed to exist and was unanimously admitted, 
that the examination should be conducted as far as practicable 
with a design to prove that the more efficient artificial, as well as 
natural agents which ingenuity and skill can present to the far- 
mer, the greater will be the amount of labor consumed in culti- 
vation; and in proportion to the skill and industry employed in 
the adaptation and use of artificial agents, so will be the quantity 
of products, or commodities for interchange among men. It was 
admitted also that the substitution of well constructed machinery 
for economizing human labor, must ameliorate the condition of 
the people, and increase every comfort and enjoyment. 

With these views, your committee entered upon their duties, 
and arranged a system for determining the mechanical principles 
combined in the machines presented for trial, in order to under- 

* Mr. Kirkland, of Rensselaer county, was unavoidably absent. 

1 



stand more clearly, and better to exhibit to our farming people, 
the power possessed by these machines to overcome or divide re- 
sistances with economy of time and labor, in the accomplishment 
of the work of a farm. 

This system embraced the determination of the power applied, 
the quantity of force required for giving motion as well to the 
machine alone, as also to effect perfect work when in hill action ; 
the speed required or used ; the force or power consumed toper- 
form a specific amount of work ; the quality of the work accom- 
plished ; the condition of the surface acted on ; the construction 
and liability to wear, and other details which are presented under 
the various divisions of this report. 

This system seemed important and interesting, not only for the 
advantage of agriculturists, but also for the mechanics of our 
country. Your committee indulge the belief that this trial of 
machines and implements will present to the farmer a reliable 
authority for a due appreciation of such objects when presented 
for his use. It must be conceded that great improvement lias 
been observed within the last five years in the construction of 
plows and a few other farm implements, and much ingenuity has 
been displayed in other and more complex machinery for the 
farm, yet it is equally true, there is an absence of a sufficient 
knowledge of the essential principles of construction and appli- 
cation of agricultural implements. 

It is no discredit to our artizans or farmers to say that with all 
the knowledge we have attained, our requirements are very far 
from being met or satisfied, and that the rudiments of agricul- 
tural machinery are rarely sufficiently understood by either far- 
mers or mechanics. The many thousand persons assembled at 
the Geneva trials, afford a conclusive evidence that this first ef- 
fort of the State Society to make apparent the value, or the 
imperfections of implements and machinery, to the eye of all 
interested in their uses and application, will cause greater atten- 
tion to mechanical principles, lessening the powers of draft, and 
of resistance ; relieving us also from an excessive demand upon 
the physical energies. 

THE TRIAL Q I! OUNDS. 
The grounds selected I'm- the trials, were favorably situated 
about one mile from the beautiful village of Geneva, on the estate 



of Mr. Horace L. Bennett. The meadow appropriated to the 
several mowing machines, presented a gently sloping surface, the 
most elevated portion having a gravelly surface soil with many 
loose cobble stones ; the lower part of the field exhibited a loose 
vegetable black mould, rough and unevea, as if poached by feed 
ing herds. 

The grass was thin and wiry, consisting of red top, florin,* 
and timothy, varying from eighteen inches to two feet in height ; 
aquatic grasses occupied much of the lower ground. 

This field was accurately surveyed and laid out in parallelo- 
grams, each containing an area of two acres ; each area was marked 
by stakes numbered consecutively from 1 to 10. 

A meadow on the farm of Mr. Sherman was also selected as ha- 
ving a growth of heavy grass, on which to test the power of the 
mowing machines ; this field was covered chiefly with timothy 
grass, with a thick bottom herbage springing from a vegetable mold; 
the lower portion of the meadow was naturally wet, sending up 
a growth of water grasses from a bog surface ; the sedges were 
about four feet long, the red top rose to three feet, the timothy 
measured three feet six inches in length, and the water meadow 
grass was as long as the timothy. Much of the grass on this 
field was lodged and tangled. Both meadows would have se- 
verely tasked the efforts of the most experienced mowers, and 
the temper of the most approved scythe ; they afforded therefore 
a good test for the power and capacity ot machines for mowing. 

The wheat field, comprising about thirty acres, presented an 
undulating surface, with a water course or deep furrow through 
portions of it ; a few trees and stumps, with here and there a 
boulder offered occasional impediments, and the whole field pre- 
sented as many and as varied obstacles to farm machinery and 
labor, as will occur probably on any property where machinery 
can be profitably employed. The wheat crop on the ground was 
of the Mediterranean and Soules varieties, injured in some degree 
by the wheat fly ; small portions of the field were lodged ; and 
with the exception of low moist places the grain was in proper 
condition for harvesting. The soil of this field is a clay loam, a 
specimen of which is deposited in the Society's museum for refer- 
ence when desired. 

* Sometimes called foul meadow. 



The barley field containing about 30 acres, was more uneven 
as to its surface ; deep irregular water courses traverse d its length; 
the water standing in some portions ; many boulders and stumps 
were in the track of the machines ; the grain was much lodged 
and tangled ; the straw soft and tough. The soil of this field is 
a clay loam, though mote sandy in its proportions than the wheat 
field; a specimen of this soil is also deposited in the Society's mu- 
seum. The c mimittee believe that a combination of difficulties 
equal to the many presented on this field to the machines on trial, 
can rarely occur. 

Both the wheat field and barley field were accurately surveyed 
and laid out in lots containing areas of two acres each, marked 
by numbered stakes in consecutive order from 1 to 12. A track 
for the teams to enter was opened by cradles between each lot. 

The several areas of the wheat and of the barley field were ap- 
propriated to the exhibitors by lot ; the numbers drawn by them 
respectively, designating the number of the lot on which to ope- 
rate ; the numbers prefixed to the exhibitors names in the several 
taldes in this report indicate the position of each. 

An adjacent field, plowed during the second day of the trial, 
afforded ample space for the trial Of Grain Drills and Cultivators ; 
the long continued dry weather during the month of July acting 
upon a clay soil, caused the furrows to be rough and baked in 
large masses, presenting a surface not to be easily pulverised ; 
consequently tasking the merits or powers of each Cultivator to 
reduce the soil to a proper tilth, and every Grain Drill to distri- 
bute seed at equal distances and at uniform depths. 

The upper, or highest level ground of the barley field was 
raked, bound and housed, or removed, affording a favorable stub- 
ble ground for a second frial of Cultivators, the action of which 
having reduced the soil to a condition suitable for planting, it 
was appropriated to the trial of corn and seed planters. These 
machines were worked on areas, marked, numbered and planted 
by each machine, with the intent to note, especially, the results, 
after vegetation had advanced the plants a few inches above the 
surface. 

To aid the efforts of the State Society, and to promote the fann- 
ing interests, the inhabitants of Geneva caused a large area of a 
meadow adjoining the wheat and barleyfields to be covered with 
the spacii 'lis canopys prepared by Mr. E. C. Williams, of Rochester. 



One of these immense tents afforded space for the horse powers 
where motion was applied on the principle of the endless chain ; 
the various powers were arranged on a line with the walls of the 
tent in a manner to permit the application of power to the several 
machines. 

Another tent gave protection to machines and implements until 
they were called to the field for trial. 

A tent was also appropriated to the exhibition of implements 
and machinery not subject to trial ; other tents were erected for 
the comfort and convenience of attending visitors, and for the 
officers and judges of the State Society, with abundant refresh- 
ments ; every wish was liberally anticipated, and every needful 
appliance prepared for the objects to be accomplished.* 

With these arrangements and preparations, the judges entered 
upon the examination and trial of the implements and machines 
submitted to them, and according to the following list of entries 
presented by Mr. Secretary Johnson : 

LIST OF ENTRIES: 

Reaping Machines. 

J. H. Manny, Wadham's Grove, 111., Reaping Machine, " Manny's Pat- 
ent Adjustable." 

Byron Densmore, Brockport, N. Y., Reaping Machine. 

C. H. McCornrick, Illinois, Reaping and Mowing Machine. 

A. C. Powell, Syracuse, Rugg's Reaping and Mowing Machine. 

E. Danford & Co., Geneva, Kane Co., 111., Danford's Doubled Sickled 
Reaping and Mowing Machine ; also entered by J. Rapalje & Co., Rochester. 

A. J. Cook, Enon, Ohio, Reaping and Mowing Machine. 

T. D. Burrall, Geneva, N. Y., Convertible Reaper and Grass Cutter. 

Seymour & Morgan, Brockport, N. Y., New- York Reaper. 

Aaron Palmer, Brockport, N. Y., Palmer's Self-Raking Reaper. 

John S. Wright, Chicago, 111., Atkins' Automaton Raker. 

T. R. Hussey & Co., Auburn, Hussey's Reaper. 

0. Hussey, Baltimore, Hussey's Reaper and Mower. 

• The inhabitants of Geneva were represented by a committee consisting of 

JOHN C. PROUTY, Chairman, 

John H. Tillman, Treasurer, A. T. Chew, Secretary, 

Wm. Creighton Lee, John L. Bennett, 

Wm. Orton, S. C. Cleaveland, 

E. Jenkins Burrall, Robert Lay, 

S. H. Parker, Asa Gardner, 

Jos. S. Lewis. 



Mowing Machines. 

Howard & Co., Buffalo, N. Y., Ketehum's Mowing Machine. 
T. Rush Spencer, Geneva, Bronson Murray's Mowing Machine. 
C. 11. McCormick, Chicago, 111., Mowing Machine. 

A. 0. Powell, Syracuse, Rugg's Mowing Machine. 
T. D. Burrall, Geneva, Grass Cutter. 

J. II. Manny, Wadham's Grove, 111., Mowing Machine. 
(). llussey, Baltimore, Md., Mowing Machine. 

Grain Drills. 

P. Seymour, East Bloomfield, 3 Grain Drills. 
Iluffnian & Bickford, Macedon, N. Y., 1 Grain Drill. 
Rapalje & Co., Rochester, N. Y., Wheat Drill. 
Foster, Jcssup & Co., Palmyra, N. Y., 2 Grain Drills. 
S. M. Drake, Skancateles, Gatling's Grain Drill. 
S. R. Tracy, Newark, 1 Drill. 

Horse Power — Svjeep or Lever. 
J. A. Pitts, Buffalo, N. Y., Pitt's Lever Power. 

Eddy, Dyer & Co., Union Village, N. Y., Taplin's Circular Dlorse Power. 
Daniel Woodbury, Palmyra, N. Y., Lever Horse Power. 

B. H. Wakely, McLean, N. Y., Lever Horse Power. 
Hall & Thompson, Rochester, do do 

Horse Power — Endless Chain or Railroad. 

Emery & Co., Albany, Railroad PoAver. 

George Westinghouse, Central Bridge, N. Y., Horse Power. 

Ezra W. Badger, Fly Creek, N. Y., one and two Horse Power. 

J. A. Pitts, Buffalo, N. Y., Horse Power. 

J. Rapalje & Co., Rochester, do 

Geo. F. Jerome, Hempsted, do 

Iron Horse Power. 
John A. Pitts, Buffalo, Iron Horse Power. 

Thrashers. 

Emery & Co., Albany, Thrasher and Separator, 
Eddy & Co., Union Village, Thrasher. 
J. A. Pitts, Buffalo, Thrasher and Separator. 
Daniel Woodbury, Thrasher and Separator. 



9 

George Westinghouse, Central Bridge, overshot Thrasher and Separator. 
Ezra W. Badger, Fly Creek, Thrasher and Separator. 
J. Rapalje & Co., Rochester, Thrasher and Separator. 
Harris Scovill, Tompkins Co., Thrasher. 

Steam Engine for Farm Purposes, 8(-c. 
Hoard & Bradford, Watertown, N. Y., Portable Steam Engine. 

Seed Planter, for Horse or Hand Power. 

Emery & Co., Albany, Seed Planter. 

C. C. Van Every, Victor, Corn and Bean Planter. 

Pierrepont Seymour, East Bloomfield, two Seed Planters. 

Rapalje & Co., Rochester, two Planters. 

Foster, Jessup & Co., Palmyra, Corn Planter. 

John Woodward, New Hampshire, Corn Planter and Manure Depositor. 

Cultivator for General Purposes. 

Pierrepont Seymour, East Bloomfield, enters Horse Cultivator. 

Rapalje & Co., Rochester, 4 Cultivators. 

L. L. Whitbeck, Arcadia, 1 do 

S. R. Tracy, Newark, 1 do 

Killam&Valleau, Rochester, 1 do 

Bradley's & Roman's, do 1 do 

J. W. Hamilton, do 1 do 

H. H. Howe, Canandaigua, 1 do 

Broad Cast Soivers. 

Pierrepont Seymour, East Bloomfield, two Broad Cast Sowing Machines. 

Early on the morning of Tuesday, the 20th of July, the mar- 
shal (Wm. Johnson, Esq., of Ontario,) announced that the Mow- 
ing Machines were on the ground, ready for trial. Numbers cor- 
responding with the lots surveyed and marked on the meadow, 
were drawn by the exhibitors, and each machine was directed to 
its station according to the number drawn. 

A view of the field at this time, with the array of Mowing Ma- 
chines of varied construction, claiming to save labor, and accom- 
plish better work than had hitherto been effected by the farmer, 
presented a scene of interest, not only to the agriculturist and 
mechanic, but also to every man whose views extended to the 
advancement of his State and of the nation. It could not escape 

2 



10 

the observing mind, that, in this State, producing annually about 
four millions of tons of hay, there was on that field machines hav- 
ing the capacity to add, by their use, an annual income to the 
farming population of more than a million of dollars ; and ex- 
tending these views beyond the limitsof our State, applying them 
to the Union, whose surface gives annually more than thirteen 
millions of tons of hay, how important becomes the investigation 
of this class of machines, thereby exhibiting to the agriculturist 
their powers, uses, and advantages.* 

The duty of the judges might have been confined strictly and 
fairly to a report of the successful machines, yet as agricultural 
machinery may be esteemed as being in its youth, immature, as 
ingenuity and skill stamped their features on most of the ma- 
chines presented, it seems alike due to the mechanic and farmer, to 
present a notice of the unsuccessful as well as of the more favored 
machines. 

The annexed table exhibits, in a condensed form, the distinctive 
characteristics of the several Mowing Machines, and embodies the 
essential facts needful for a generally correct estimate of their 
respective merits: 

* Estimating the hay crop of the United States, as per the census ot 1850, at 13,G05,3S4 tons, 
the average cost of cutting and making at i?l per ton, and the saving, by use of Mowing Ma- 
chines, at one-fourth of the present cost, the annual gain would be $3,401,340. 




No. 



1. 

2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 



Rugg's2 
J.H.1V 
Ketchv 6 

Danfoi . 
T. D. ]. 
B. Mu: 



sented until 



3 logged frequently, 
^logged twice. 
4 o interruption. 
3 logged frequently, 
••logged frequently, 
flogged frequently. 
_ogged frequently. 



1 



S T A T E M fc; \ T 

Of the Trial of Mowing Machines, at Geneva, July, 1852. 











POWER liEQIHREn. 












ih, 


H. 






Knives. 










11, >,,T 


V OF THE 


Work. 








Q 




1 = 


1 -. 






i s 




I 






a 


= Z "d 










PATENTEES. 


Exhibitor, OB lOBNl 




.5 


, 


3 -= 
- u 

3 .a 


? jq 


■gp 


|| 


1= 





ill 

- B^ 
§§•1 


ja 


Jl 


1 


- i 


> 
I.i 


Sap 

•f 1 1 


2 


| 


- _ ~ * •£ 
;• 1 1 5 1 


JJ 


| 

I a 










a 


n 


o 




1 


~ 


"■ 


t 


P 




w 


- 


- 


* 


= 




c 


i. 


. 3 






A. C. Powell 


Dollars. 


Pounds. 




Inches. 


Inches 




Feci 


Il,s. Kin. 


Pounds. 


Pounds. 


Inches. 


[nches 




[nches. 


Inches. 




Feel 








Inches. 




No. 1. Rung's, 


130 


900 


1 2 


48 


150 3 f 


16 


201 


2.32 


330 


4.5 


4 


U 


Sickle. 


2i 


4 


30 


6.6 


5.0 


17 


Fair. 


6 


Clogged frequently. 


2. J. H. Manny's,. . . 




100 


800 




2 


30 


91 ', 


32 


251 




400 


6.1 


44 


2 


SicEle" 


<. > 4 


4 


30 


<■>•<> 


1.6 


34 


Good. 


H 


Clogged twice. 




Howard & Co., . . . 


no 


73G 




2 


36 


1134 


20 


188 


1.20 


450 


8.0 


3 


3 


Smooth. 


8J 


45 


36 


4.8 


None. 


33 


Good. 


3, 


No interruption. 


4. C.H.McCormick, 


C. H. McCormick,. 


100 


800 




2 


28 


88 


34 


247 


0.56 


350 


4.8 


4 ! 


0* 


Sickle. 


2J 


■H 


22 


6.0 


6.0 


16J 


Good. 


5 


.Clogged frequently. 


5. Danford &. Co.,.. 


Rapalje &Co.,*. .. 








2 
2 
































15 
20 


Fair. 
Good. 


; k 


Clogged frequently. 
Clogged frequently. 


C. T. D. Burrall,. .. 


T. D. Burrall,... 


100 


750 


38 


119,] 


25 


248 




460 


7.0 


3 


2J 


Smooth. 


H 


8 


24 




(Tone 




Thos. R. Spencer, 


100 


800 




2 


32 


IOO4 


27 


226 




430 


7.2 


3J 


u 


Sickle. 


2i 


*t 


20 




|None. 


17 


Good. 


fi 


Clogged frequently. 



not presented until the wcond day of Trial, at a late ho 



I 



12 

It will be perceived, from the data set forth in this table, that the 
chief competition rested betweenManny,No.2,andKetchum,No.3. 

The judges did not feel entirely satisfied with the trial thus 
far, as the grass did not present the resistance to be encountered 
in average crops. The exhibitors were notified to present their 
machines on the following morning at 8 o'clock on the farm of 
Mr, Sherman, when a second trial would be made in heavy grass. 
At the appointed hour the judges were on the ground, and caused 
each machine to take its station as it arrived and was adjusted. 

The Ketchum Mower led off handsomely, opening a double swath. 

Manny's Mower entered in the same manner and opened a dou- 
ble swath. So well was the grass cut by both machines, that no 
decided preference could be given to either — and it was manifest 
that no labor with a scythe could perform the work as well. 

Both machines then entered upon the low grounds, encounter- 
ing high and thick grass, portions being lodged and tangled, lying 
in all directions ; they were directed to cut double swaths through 
this grass, and then to follow each other laying their swaths side 
by side. Ketchum's machine performed the task without inter- 
ruption ; Manny's machine was stopped by cutting through a 
hummock, which, lodging on the knives, pressed down the stand- 
ing grass, preventing a free cutting action ; a second interruption 
occurred when entering the swath, from inattention to clearing 
the cutting knives. Aside from these casualties the work was 
well performed. 

The quality of the work accomplished by both machines could 
not fail to satisfy any farmer, and was better done than could be 
performed by the most expert mower with a scythe. 

Manny's Machine is peculiar in its construction, by a facility 
of raising or depressing the cutting apparatus while in motion, at 
the pleasure of the driver, giving to it the capability of cutting 
the heads of grasses for seed, and afterwards the straw or stems 
and leaves for fodder ; it runs on wheels ; is easily moved from 
place to place; is strongly braced, and by an ingenious arrange- 
ment is capable of being contracted into a small compass for hous- 
ing when not in use. Another peculiarity common to both Mr. 
Manny's and Mr. Murray's knives, is a cutting edge at the base, 
intended to prevent cloggling. A reel is used with this machine, 



13 

which has a tendency to lay the grass in waves, and not of uni- 
form thickness over the surface of the field 

Ketchum's Machine is remarkable for its compactness and sim- 
plicity of construction, also for the perforation of the knives, 
which, it is claimed, renders it impossible to clog in the cutting 
operation ; the knives cut with a blunt edge at this perforation, 
necessarily consuming more power to etfect the object than if it 
be a sharp edge. A curved iron elbow connects the knife or 
cutter bar with the running parts of the machine, bringing the 
knives close to the ground. It needs perhaps more strength and 
uniformity in mechanism — it works without a reel, performing its 
work admirably. 

McCor.mick's Machine cuts with knives of a peculiar form, 
being broad at the base, short in length and having a sickle edge 
working between spear shaped teeth or fingers. The construc- 
tion of this machine is too fragile for useful purposes, the knives 
yielded after a few swaths were cut, needing to be replaced by 
another set ; these yielded also. The stubble was left long and 
uneven. 

Burrali.'s Machine was presented for trial direct from the work- 
shop, and now first subjected to its intended work. It is ingen- 
ious in mechanism, presenting a longer vibration of the cutting 
knives than any other machine ; a fly wheel is attached to over- 
come variable resistances and equalize movements, and certainly 
the Burral Machine moved over the ground with less noise and 
more smoothly than any other subjected to trial. 

Without pretending to question the theory, it seems at first 
sight that a wheel of so small diameter and weight, could not 
efficiently or profitably collect power sufficient to overcome any 
sudden resistance to which a mowing machine is usually liable ; 
certainly at this trial it did not prevent very frequent interrup- 
tions to its progress. More experience may show the value of 
this appendage. The ingenuity and excellent workmanship of 
this machine is worthy of high commendation, and we cannot 
doubt that under improvements which the present trials will sug- 
gest to the proprietor, he will at an early day perfect a Mowing 
Machine to stand in the foremost rank. In its present condition 
it choked frequently and needed oft adjustment. 



14 

Mi bray's Machini arrived at the trial grounds from Illinois 
at tlic close of the day ; it was not properly adjusted for work 
and no one conversant with its use was present to work it. I fa- 
der these circumstances the work was badly done. 

There are however in this machine points of ingenuity and ex- 
cellence of arrangement which will probably place it when per- 
fected among the favored implements of the agriculturist. 

Rugg's Patent Mower retains in a great degree the form of 
the earliest Reaping Machine as patented by the Rev. P. Bell in 
England ; the horses are attached to the rear of the machine pro- 
pelling it, while the driver guides it by a steering Avheel ; he can 
also elevate or depress the cutting knives at his pleasure. The 
advantages claimed for this patent were not apparent and the 
machine soon ceased to operate. 

Danford & Co's Machine was not in time for examination and 
trial on the first day, and when in operation on the morning of 
the second day, it was frequently impeded by clogging. The pe- 
culiar feature of this machine is the reciprocating action of the 
cutting knives ; they are moved by eccentrics, causing the knives 
to pass each other in close contact on the same plane, the action 
of the blade therefore is like that of shears. This position of the 
knife cannot probably maintain a long continued perfect action, 
for as soon as the knives from any cause lose their sharp edge, 
the tougher grasses will be drawn between the plates, and by 
clogging arrest the progress of the machine. 

The excellence discernable in the best Mowing Machines now 
exhibited, leaves no doubt as to their utility. It is equally clear 
that the work performed is far better than can be done by manual 
labor with a scythe. 

The farmer will, however, need the occasional use of the 
scythe ; for neatness and thorough husbandry will claim the 
scythe to trim fence corners, to remove baulks occasioned by 
careless driving, as well as herbage which may escape the ma- 
chine when passing stumps or rocks. 

The economy derived from their use may be understood from 
the following computation : 

An able man can cut with a scythe an area of one acre and a 
quarter each day, on a meadow covered with grass equal to two 



15 

tons per acre ; of heavy clover he will cut not to exceed one acre 
per day ; a few men can accomplish more than above stated, but 
on an average these quantities are found to be a full days work. 
The rate of wages varies in different places and counties, yet a 
fair average rate of compensation in Central New York for men 
engaged in the hay harvest is seventy-five cents per day, or eighty 
cents per acre by the job, with their board and lodging. 

Assuming the cost of cutting and making hay at one dollar per 
day for each man employed, we may approximate closely to the 
advantages of Mowing Machines. Thus 

One acre of meadow grass yielding two tons will 

cost for cutting and making the hay $ 2 00 

A field of ten acres will therefore cost 20 00 

A Mowing Machine will cut an acre per hour, worked by one 
man with two horses ; a field of ten acres may be conveniently 
cut in one day by the machine ; three additional laborers will be 
sufficient and ample for turning, raking and cocking the ten acres. 

Then the labor of the 4 men is equal to $4 00 

1 team, say, 1 50 

Int. on cost of the machine — wear and tear, say 15 
per cent per annum, to sink the cost in ten years, 
$15; this amount divided equally to ten harvest 

days is equal to a daily charge of* "..... 1 50 

Cost of cutting and making ten acres of hay, of two 

tons per acre by a machine, $7 00 

The difference in favor of the Mowing Machine is therefore a 
saving of labor equal in value to thirteen dollars per day, and upon 
every ten acres of grass land, the gain upon each ton is sixty- 
five cents. 

Attention is thus drawn to the economy of Mowing Machines, 
that all interested may make estimates for themselves based upon 
wages and compensation directly applicable to their own locality, 
the above rates being adopted from the customs and practices of 
many farmers in the center of the State. 

HEAPING MACHINES. 
A few years have passed since Reaping Machines were success- 
fully introduced into the State of New- York. Since their intro- 

* No estimate is made of the wear and tear of scythes, snaitLs, <ic. 



duction they have multiplied greatly in the grain-growing dis- 
tricts. Year after year, ingenuity, stimulated by demand, has 
attempted improvements, and as a measure of the excitement, it 
may be stated that fifteen patents were issued from the govern- 
ment office for Reaping Machines in the year 1850 — '51. 

These Reaping Machines are not confined as heretofore, to the 
ending of wheat, barley and oats : they are constructed for har- 
vesting Indian corn, stripping the ears from the stalks ; for cut- 
ting or removing the corn stalks; also for harvesting cotton 
stalks, hemp and grasses. 

The astonishment felt and expressed by British cultivators 
when two American reapers successfully laid the grain of their 
rich fields in regular gavels, ready for binding, at the rate of 15 
to 17 acres per day, is generally known ; and it appears by re- 
cent papers from England, that during the period while the Ge- 
neva trials were in progress, seventeen specimens of reapers were 
on exhibition at a meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society at 
Lewes; upon which occasion an American reaper is declared to 
have demonstrated its superiority over other similar machines. 

It appears that British mechanics are adopting and combining 
the excellencies of various American reapers, producing results 
which are spoken of as producing a revolution in their harvest- 
ing operations. 

This combination of American ingenuity obtained the silver 
medal of the Royal Society at their recent meeting, and it is said 
that more than one thousand of these machines have been made 
to order. 

If then the farmers of the old world fed so much interest in 
agricultural machines in use among American farmers, we are at 
no loss to account for the excitement exhibited by New- York 
farmers and others visiting the Geneva trials. 

Twelve grain Reaping Machines were entered for trial : three 
of them did not reach Geneva until after the adjournment of the 
judges. 

The following table presents a list of the Reapers on the field, 
in tlie order of numbers drawn by them respectively, for their 
stations on the ground. 

This table exhibits the action and main features of construe 
tion of each machine on the wheat field 



r sir 

MACHjeva 



No. 1. C. H. 

2. T. D. ] 

3. Atkim 



E. Dar 
Seymo 
J. H. I 
Rush's 
O.Hu 
B. Dei 

11. A. Pal 

12. Obed 




99 >- 82 
Iff >- 83 



TABULAR STVTLMEAT 

Of the Trial of Reaping Machines, at Geneva, July, 1852. 



No. 1. C. H. McCormick,. 

2. T. I). Burrall,.. 

3. Atkins, 

1. E. Danford 

5. Seymour & Morgan 

6. J. H. Manney, . 

7. Rugg's Patent,. 

8. 0. Hussey 

9. I!. Densmore. . . 
10^.. J. Cook,*... 

11. A. Palmer," ... 

12. Obed Hussey,*. 



C. H. McCorniick,. 

T. D. Burrall, 

J. s. Wright 

E. Danford & Co., . 
Seymour & Morgan, 
J. H. Manney, . . . . 

[A. C. Powell, 

IT. K. Hussey , 

Byron Densmore, . . 



900 


o 


1. ) 


2 


1,246 


1 


l,ooo 


2 


920 


2 


840 


2 


0-20 


2 


925 


2 


980 


1 







18 

30 
30 
30 
48 
42 
16 



264 

258 

172 
188 
180 



■2.23 
•2.48 



1.35 
2.34 



101 
103 



153 
103 



319 

•220 



•2.39 
2.08 



99 

\1? 



400 
425 
400 



450 
4C0 



0.5 
5.91 
0.6 



6.82 
5.83 



s'i 



sickle. 

smooth, 
smooth, 
smooth, 
sickle. 

sickle, 
sickle, 
smooth, 
sickle. 



Quality oi 



32 

W 

:)o 
32 

.in 
30 



6 

5 

5 

5.6 



5.6 

6.6 

5.6 



none. 



5 
6 
5 
5 
none. 



side. 
sideorba'k. 
side, 
back, 
side, 
side, 
side. 
back, 
side. 



30 
33 

29 

•29 

31J 

15 

31 

25 



good- 



fair, 
good. 

uneven 



lair, 
bad. 



good, 
good. 

good. 



good, 
uneven. 



ines did not arrive iri lime for the trial. 



t St.ii.-d mid required by tbe exhibitor; 



18 

1. McOormick's Machine cut the wheat straw with accuracy, 
and called forth commendation at its first movement: the entire 
lot was not however cut evenly. In the barley field it did not 
work to advantage, particularly in the lodged grain; the gavels 
were well laid ; during the action of the machine the horses were 
subjected to a heavy side draft. 

With various and many good points, this machine has to con- 
tend with inferior workmanship and want of firmness. 

2. T. J). Eurrall's Machine performed its work in the most ad- 
mirable manner ; the gavels were well laid, though from the 
manner of delivery at the side a twist was observable : the work- 
manship and materials were excellent : the circular apron for 
side delivery — the balance wheel — and an arrangement to elevate 
the exterior edge of the apron, are valuable features. 

3. Atkins' Automaton Machine, entered by Mr. J. S. Wright 
attracted much notice, not for the work performed, that was in- 
different ; but for the ingenuity displayed in the mechanism, 
whereby an arm was made to rise from the machine, descending 
with a rapid motion, it seized the cut grain on the platform, car- 
ried it to the side of the machine, and laid it in a tolerably well 
formed gavel, beyond the track of the reaper; this action was re- 
peated in measured intervals proportioned to the advance of the 
machine, and deposit of grain on the platform. 

It is due to Mr. Atkins, the inventor, to state that he is a crip- 
ple, and was confined to his bed during the whole period occu- 
pied by his men in the construction of this machine ; in pain 
and sickness he conceived the design for a Self Raking Reaper ; 
his instructions were carried out imperfectly in the selection of 
materials and distribution of strength ; the absence of the mas- 
ter mind permitted errors of adjustment and arrangement, con- 
sequently it yielded in various parts during the trial. Yet when 
in motion, the action of the human arm and hand did not fail to 
find a surprising imitation in this ingenious machine. 

Upon this occasion the inventor was largely indebted to Mr. 
Wright, for his indefatigable efforts to remedy the many difficul- 
ties arising from mal-construction — difficulties which may be 
easily obviated, because they are due to the builder and not to 
the inventor. These remarks upon an imperfect machine are 



19 

due to the inventor and to our agricultural interests, for it seems 
to contain the germ of one of the most useful implements which 
mechanical ingenuity can present to the farmer. 

4. Danford & Co.'s Machine. — This machine has the peculiar 
arrangement of the knives described under the division of mowing 
machines ; the edges of the knives cut against each other, acting 
like scissors or shears. It performed the cutting satisfactorily ; 
yet the position of the knives, as now arranged, presents a for- 
midable difficulty in a liability to clog as soon as their keen edge 
is lost. The motion of the wheel was not duly adjusted, a too 
rapid motion beat the grain and scattered it along the track : the 
workmanship of this machine was admirable. 

5. Seymour and Morgan's Machine. — The work was well done, 
the gavels well laid ; the draft was light and of rapid speed, 
but it is liable to the objection of side draft. 

6. J. H. Manny's Machine. — This Reaper cut admirably in 
wheat and barley ; the merits of construction were manifest in 
the barley field, where the driver could raise or depress the 
knives as the standing or lodged grain might demand ; the water 
courses also were easily passed ; these are valuable features. 

The delivery is not perfect, owing to an elevation of the apron 
or platform which rises about eight inches above its lowest plane. 
The necessary consequence is, an uneven or disturbed condition 
of the gavels. 

7. Rugg's Machine. — Having cut a portion of grain appropria- 
ted for the trial, w T as withdrawn. 

8. T. R Hussev's Machine. — A compact well built machine, 
cuts well except where the grain was thin, in such places it over- 
rode the grain which escaped the knife. The gavels were toler- 
ably laid. The construction of this reaper avoids all side draft ; 
yet the direct draft, as indicated by the Dynamometer, was greater 
than any other machine. 

9. Densmore's Machine. — This is an ingenious self-raker, the 
grain being swept from the platform by fingers, with a motion 
more rapid as it passes the center of it, throwing the gavel from 
the side. The driver has the power of regulating this action by 



20 

his foot gathering more, or less grain into a gavel, at his option. 
This clever machine seems not yet perfected, the stubble is left 
uneven, and the gavels are not smoothly laid for binding. In 
tli is machine may be seen the useful efforts ot genius struggling 
to surmount difficulties, and it seems to present an object where 
success is within reach. 

Numbers 10, 11 and 12 did not arrive in due season for trial. 
The machine of Mr. Obed Hussey, of Baltimore, reached the depot 
at Geneva the day after adjournment. 

The established principle in the science of mechanics in regard 
to cutting tools, that an acute angle is the most effective on sub- 
stances of woody fibre, seems to hold good in the form of a reaper 
knife; this is apparent upon comparing the angles of the several 
knives, as for instance the height of Mr. McCormick's knife from its 
base line to the apex is five-eighths of an inch, the base line being 
4^ inches ; the power required to cut a swarth six feet wide, ad- 
vancing at the rate of 101 feet per minute, w r as five pounds T 3 \ 
for every inch in width of the swath. The height of Mr. Bur- 
rail's knife above the base is 3 v inches, the base being 3 inches ; 
in this case the power consumed to advance 103 feet in a minute, 
is six pounds f§ , the swath being five, feet wide. 

The main grower must not yet expect to be entirely indepen- 
dent of the cradle; for the tracks and avenues must be opened in 
grain fields for the entrance of reaping machines, as well as to re- 
move occasional baulks, or the grain protected from the knife by 
large stones or tree stumps. 

The advantage obtained by the use of Reaping Machines, will 
appear from the following comparative estimate of manual and 
machine labor : 

Wheat yielding thirty bushels per acre can be cradled at the 
rate ot two acres per day by an expert cradler, and few men can 
cradle more than three acres of oats or barley in a day. Rye will 
require more time than wheat, yet in this estimate it may be 
classed with wheat. 

-In nearly all the Reapers presented for trial, a decided improvement was exhi- 
bited in workmanship; there was a finish in man}- which may be viewed generally as proof of 
durability : a symmetry of form, and beautiful cow , ondi ace of various parts, wen- observable 
in the best machines, [n others, coarse rough work dimmed and obscured their excellences, 
and caused def cots, where existing mechanical principles indicated better results. 



21 

Farmers may differ in these estimates, but it is believed the 
number who can cradle the acres named, include the great mass 
of men ; those who can exceed the spaces here adopted are few, 
and form the exceptions only to a general rule. 

The average value of cradling labor is one dollar and a half 
per day with board and lodging, engaged for the harvest season. 
Job work costs about one dollar per acre. At this last rate, a 
field of fifteen acres will cost for cradling only, the sum of fifteen 
dollars. 

The expense of reaping the same area by a machine, may be 
thus estimated : 

A team and driver, $1 75 

A man to rake off the grain, 1 00 

Interest on cost of the machine at a value of $120, and 
at 10 per cent to cover wear, is $12, one-quarter of 
this sum applied to wheat, the balance to be divided 
among other crops, gives 3 00 

$5 75 

The cost of cutting fifteen acres of wheat in one day is $5.75; which 
exhibits a saving of $9, : yV in favor of the reaping machine on an 
area of fifteen acres. 

It must be evident that to accomplish the cutting of these 15 
acres with cradles, in one day, seven men at least must be em- 
ployed, and as many more to bind the grain into sheaves — ma- 
king a force of 14 or more men. The machine requires two men 
to control it, and needs 7 or at most 8 men to rake and bind the 
grain, and shock the whole in the same day, making a further 
advantage by saving the labor of four men : equal to four dollars. 
Thus it appears that the Reaping Machine offers a considerable 
advantage over manual labor, say to the extent of $13.25 on 
every 15 acres, or 88| cents per acre. 

The number of acres appropriated to the culture of wheat in 
this State during the year 1844 — '45, according to the State cen- 
sus, was 1,013,605. The census of the United States for 1850, 
shows a diminution of the wheat crop in this State ; yet in the 
absence of sufficient official returns, we may reasonably assume 
the number of acres of wheat as being equal now, to the area 
cultivated in 1815. Tf so, it will be seen that the use of Reaping 



22 

Machines applied to the whole crop, would effect a saving to the 
State of about $89,5 10 dollars per annum . 

These estimates are presented with the intent to draw the at- 
tention of cultivators to the economy of machinery, and to in- 
vite every person interested in the inquiry to a more minute in- 
vestigation for himself. 

DRILLS. 

The practice of sowing and planting seeds in regular rows or 
drills, has found so many advocates in the United States, as to 
encourage mechanical ingenuity in the attempt to improve ma- 
chines derived from English and Scotch cultivators. Until with- 
in a short period, the Drill Machines have been cumbrous, and 
uncertain in the performance of the work desired; hence their 
use was for a long time confined to sowing the seeds of vegeta- 
bles, and small areas of corn. Many successful trials with im- 
proved drills led to the construction of a very good machine by 
Pennock, of Pennsylvania, by which wheat was deposited in the 
earth with regularity and at uniform depth ; it planted corn also 
when desired at equal distances ; the use of this machine gave 
an impetus to drill husbandry, inducing the belief of utility and 
economy. 

The advantages claimed for these machines, are : 

1. Regularity in delivery of the seed. 

2. It is deposited at the proper depth. 

3. Facility of destroying weeds during the growth of the 
plant. 

4 No loss of nutriment by feeding weeds. 

5. Free admission of sun and air. 

6. Economy of seed. 

7. Less loss from winter killed grain. 

These and other advantages are strongly claimed, probably 
upon insufficient proof for adoption in all the States of the Union. 
Yet it cannot be reasonably doubted that in the soil of the U. S., 
covering an area of one hundred and eighty-four millions of 
acres of improved fields, large tracts can be economically seeded 
by well constructed drills, especially in the corn growing regions, 
and wherever the cost of labor will permit the careful farmer to 
eradicate weeds from Ins wheat fields. 



23 

.Recent improvements in this department of agricultural me- 
chanics, have brought into use several machines, simple in con- 
struction, more perfect in their performance, and less expensive 
in cost than the complex drills of other days. Such is the cha- 
racter of the Drill Machines presented for trial to your commit- 
tee, to whom it seems evident that the simplicity of construction 
now achieved has reduced the application of physical effort, and 
the liability to become deranged or worn ; this improvement, 
though last named, is not inferior in importance to many others, 
as it too often has tested severely the patience of the farmer, 
when the aid of the mechanic is needed by repeated demands du- 
ring the planting of a crop. 

The following table contains such facts as could be derived 
during the investigation and trial. The work performed by the 
various drills was upon ground very imperfectly plowed, and 
upon which neither harrows or cultivators had much effect ; conse- 
quently the drills were in action upon a soil in which no far- 
mer would permit grain to be deposited. 

The field was visited for examination on the 13th of August, 
being 20 days after the trial of the drills, when, in no instance 
could a perfect drill or row of grain be discovered ; in fact, two 
thirds or more of all the seed drilled by each machine had per- 
ished. The failure in this respect is not attributable to the drill 
machines, but to the imperfectly tilled ground, and a continued 
drought from the day of seeding until the 20th of August. 



24 



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25 



SEED PLANTERS. 

Planting Machines are closely allied to Drills ; the former be- 
ing" intended to deposit and establish in the soil various seeds at 
certain distances from each other, the latter intended chiefly for 
small grains, placed in the earth in close contiguity, and there- 
fore the action may more properly be called sowing. 

Many of the Grain Drills are convertible into Planters, and 
used as such ; and the Planters now under consideration are con- 
structed for the deposit of small seeds also, though intended or 
used for the seed of esculent vegetables only. 

Six competitors appeared in this class of machines, viz : Eme- 
ry k Co., of Albany ; C. C. Van Every, of Victor, Ontario co.; 
P. Seymour, of East Bloomfield, Ontario co., Rapelje & Co , of 
Rochester ; Foster, Jessup & Co., Palmyra, Wayne co.; and John 
Woodward, of New Hampshire. 

The Planter presented by Emery & Co. has been used in this 
State during several years. Many acres of corn have been drop- 
ped in rows by it, each grain being placed from four to eight or 
ten inches apart; when horse power is applied, this implement 
will plant seven or eight acres per day, the rows being usually 
three feet apart or more, as the proprietor may desire. All 
other seeds are deposited by this Planter, and when planted on 
small areas, hand labor only is necessary. The cost of this ma- 
chine is $14 to $16. The mechanical construction might be 
improved, the frame and castings are generally too light for farm 
work. 

The Planter offered by C. C. Van Every, of Victor, plants two 
rows of any grain at the same time, the rows being three and a 
half feet asunder. The peculiar claim of this machine is, the ca- 
pability of depositing seed in each row at any required distance 
apart, from li inches to 3;^ feet; the widest distance making 
exact squares. There exists a simplicity of contrivance in this 
implement which promises well, inducing a belief that with more 
attention to workmanship, the inventor will present a useful 
labor saving machine to the farmer. The cost is stated to 

4 



26 

be thirty dollars ; it is worked by one horse and one man to 
guide it. 

Pjerpont Seymour, of East Bloomfield, entered a machine as 
a Seed Planter, which performs good work ; yet as this machine 
acts as a Drill, it has been noticed in that division. 

Rapalje & Co., of Rochester, presented two Planters, one of 
which was Emery & Co's., or identical with a Planter offered by 
Emery & Co. some few years ago, tor which he obtained a pre- 
mium, and similar to the same machine offered by Emery & Co. 
for trial. A small Planter, tit only fur garden purposes, was also 
exhibited by Rapalje & Co.; among horticulturists it would pro- 
bably be esteemed, but its capacity is not adequate to a farmer's 
wants. 

A Planter, patented by Dickey, of Pennsylvania, was presented 
by Foster, Jesup & Co., of Palmyra, and so constructed as to 
drop three grains of corn at the distance of every eighteen inches. 
This instrument did not fulfil the claims made on its behalf; the 
cost is $20. 

Woodward's Planter was introduced and excited much hope 
as appearing to combine almost every qualification for a useful 
planting implement. It was tried with corn on the surface and 
found to drop four grains with accuracy at equal distances of 
three feet. 

Gypsum or plaster was then placed in a hopper next to the 
seed box; when in motion it dropped the corn with precision, 
and deposited about a gill of plaster on the corn. 

This machine was then worked in a piece of plowed or culti- 
vated ground and planted several rows ; upon examination, and 
upon removing the earth, it was found that not more than five 
and never less than four grains were dropped with remarkable 
exactness in each specified distance. It was moved by one horse, 
guided by one man, it cleared away all lumps from the trade or 
row, leaving a smooth surface on which and directly over the 
corn, was about one gill of plaster. 

It seemed evident that no manual labor with a hoe, could per- 
form work so well. An arrangement exists, but was not exhib 



27 

ited for working two machines by one horse, thus planting two 
rows at once. 

The cost of a single machine is $20 ; when arranged for two 
rows the charge is $30. Moveable cylinders are applied and so 
constructed as to plant every variety of seed down to the most 
minute in size. 

A Machine for sowing all seeds and grains broad cast, was pre- 
sented by Pierpont Seymour. It has been much improved since 
its first introduction a few years ago. The indexed arrangement 
for graduating the delivery is good ; the oscillating motion given 
to the shaft which distributes the seed is derived from the off 
wheel while a slower motion is given by the nigh wheel to metal 
levers when used for distributing plaster, bone dust, lime, ashes 
or any other special manures. Another excellent feature in this 
machine is the additional box from which clover or timothy seed 
can be equally distributed, while at the same time manures can 
be distributed from the larger box. Thus any combination of 
seeds and manures may be effected during the deposit of the seeds 
on the soil: 

This implement is usually moved by one horse, the driver has 
a seat above the grain boxes, and it sows a breadth of ten feet. 

The advantages of Drill Husbandry have not yet been decided, 
except only the evident benefit of weeding drilled fields by the 
hand or hoe. Broad Cast Sowing has prevailed throughout the 
world, and possesses the advantage of greater expedition, and as 
many believe a greater product from an acre, and grain of more 
uniform quality. The perfection to which both Drills and Broad 
Cast Sowers has arrived, must ere long settle the claim of prefer- 
ence among cautious observing farmers. 

CULTIVATOKS. 

Instruments for stirring the surface of the earth have long been 
extensively used in the United States ; they were for a long time 
confined to the corn and potato crops, taking place of the plow 
for clearing or destroying weeds. Their form and mode of ap- 
plication were derived from the English grubber, scarifier and 
extirpator, neither of which were found sufficient for the desired 



28 

operations on the fields of this country. The corn cultivator 
maintains its place under many modifications, but the working of 
fallows has enlarged the cultivator of 1834 to an implement bear- 
ing a value about equi-distaut between the plough and the 
harrow. 

Eleven cultivators for general purposes were entered for trial ; 
among them was an implement presented by Mr. Howe, of Can- 
andaigua, denominated "afield cultivator:" it has seven teeth 
in a square frame supported on wheels, these wheels are within 
the frame, permitting the teeth to cut about two inches in depth. 
It is a compact strong implement, the front teeth are set directly 
before the wheels ; a good arrangement, as it was evident the 
cultivator maintained a more steady course, the wheels running 
in the track of the teeth, and therefore less liable to be raised by 
lumps or other obstructions. An objection exists, however, to 
its action in the present mode of construction : it takes so slight 
a hold of the earth that it does not effectually disturb the grass 
and roots, neither did it work the entire surface over which it 
passed, leaving about one-fourth undisturbed ; nevertheless, there 
are merits in this machine which will probably lead to one of 
the most perfect of its class. The price is $24. Draft is 350 
pounds. 

Seymour's Wheat Cultivator is an implement unused as yet 
by farmers, being now for the first time introduced. It consists of 
a set of 9 teeth applicable to his drill frame after removing the 
tubes, thus converting the wheat drill into a wheat cultivator 
intended to pass between the rows of drilled grain whenever a 
growth of weeds indicates a necessity for their removal, or it may 
be used for stirring the earth between the drills. The teeth are 
charged at $10 for the set of nine. The draft of this implement 
is 300 pounds, and is drawn by two hordes. 

L. L. Wiiitbeck, of Arcadia, presented his " Universal Plow." 
It is a light implement, consisting of three shovel shaped plows 
in a square frame, working the soil about 2 1 inches deep or more, 
according to the mellowness of the earth. It may work with 
advantage on light sand or loam soils, but can rarely be service- 



29 

able in the wheat soils. The draft was 230 pounds : worked by 
one horse and a driver. The price is $10. 

Ides' Patent Cultivator was offered for trial by S. R. Tracy, 
of Xewark, Wayne county. This implement has been extensively 
in use for several years; it has 7 teeth 13 inches long below the 
beam ; this beam rests on wheels and so arranged as to be raised 
by levers, elevating the teeth above the surface of the earth, ren- 
dering its transportation from place to place as easy as any light 
two wheeled carriage ; the levers work in notches on cast iron 
ratchets whereby the teeth are elevated or depressed at the plea- 
sure of the driver; at this trial they worked at a depth of 1\ 
inches, disturbing the whole surface to the width of the frame. 
The draft was not ascertained as no means existed for attaching 
the dynamometer. The price is $30. 

Root's Cultivator was introduced by Rapelje & Co. This 
implement has seven teeth with steel edges on a strong cast iron 
shank twelve inches long ; the wheels are so disposed as not to 
incline the cutting edge of the teeth to hold firmly to the soil. 
The consequence was this cultivator did not perform its work 
well. 

It w r as worked by two horses and a driver ; the draft indicated 
was 325 pounds — and the price was stated at $28. 



Killam & Valleau exhibited a Gang Plow which was entered 
in the class of Cultivators. This implement consists of a frame 
to which is firmly attached four small plows; the frame is jointed 
and so constructed as to allow it to turn in a small compass, this 
is peculiar and well contrived. It is worked by three horses and 
a driver ; on trial the furrows were cut 2* inches deep, and nine 
inches wide; the draft indicated w r as 450 pounds The work 
performed was good, even and free from baulks. 

This implement does not belong properly to the class of Culti- 
vators, for upon a recently plowed field, the work would pro- 
bably be ragged and imperfect, not stirred and mixed as by the 
usually formed cultivator teeth. It was regretted that no such 
ground could be had for a trial. The implement appeared how- 



30 

ever to possess so much merit as to need this notice ; the price is 
$30. 

In the construction of Cultivators a defect was observable in 
several, which doubtless was noticed by agricultural mechanics; 
we allude to portions of surface soil in the track of the imple- 
ments not stirred ; the edges of the cutting tooth made a concave 
excavation, leaving ridges between the concaves, reaching nearly 
to the surface. This defect was confined to a few only of the 
Cultivators presented for trial. 

THRASHING MACHINES. 

The early history of Agricultural Mechanics as applicable to 
the separation of the grain from the straw, has even now become 
a matter of speculative doubt and inquiry. Looking to southern 
Europe, it seems strange that science has not more decisively 
overthrown the system of thrashing by treading out the grain 
from the ear by the feet of cattle : this seems more strange when 
we know that, before or at the Christian era, thrashing was done 
not only by treading, or by the flail ; it was also performed by 
subjecting the sheaves of grain to u a sharp threshing instrument 
having teeth,"* which was something resembling a cart drawn over 
the grain by horses or oxen. 

In northern Europe, where the arts and sciences have made 
great advances, we find even at this day, the early systems of 
thrashing, as practiced by the ancient Arabs, Syrians and Egyp- 
tians. 

In this country, the feet of cattle and the flail gave way to 
w r ell constructed and effective machines about twenty years ago. 
Since their introduction they have been steadily and quietly su- 
perceding the use of the flail, expelling its musical notes or ex- 
changing them for the hum of the rapid-moving and toothed cyl- 
inder. 

We see from the quotation above given that a toothed instru- 
ment was used for thrashing, two thousand years ago ; and it is 
claimed that the first thrashing machine of Great Britain was 
patented by Michael Menzies of East Lothian in 1732. This 
seems to have been the germ of modern thrashing machines, for 



• Isaiah, 41 : 15. 



31 

it was not until the year 1786 that a successful thrashing machine 
was invented. 

These historical memoranda are alluded to, that a fact connec- 
ted with this country may be preserved among our farmers, as 
interesting, at least in connection with the advance of agricultu- 
ral mechanics. 

In the year 1050 a volume was published in London purport- 
ing to describe the machinery used by the planters and farmers of 
Virginia. This work was compiled by Ed. Williams, who states 
that a saw-mill was in operation, which he describes, and which 
could be easily converted " to thrashing wheat, breaking of hemp 
or flax." 

No pretensions are or need be founded on this curious agricul- 
tural and historic fact, yet it shows that thrashing wheat by ma- 
chinery was thought of in this country at a very early period. 

It was hoped, and the endeavor of your committee has been, 
to test the comparative merits and excellences of the thrashing 
machines, with a close approximation to accuracy, by comparing 
the quantity of wheat obtained by each, from a given quantity of 
sheaves of grain. With this view, one hundred sheaves of wheat 
were appropriated to each competitor ; each parcel w r as carefully 
weighed j and a weighed portion being submitted to the action of 
each machine, the following results were obtained : 



EXHIBITORS. 



Woodbury, 

Scovill, 

Wcstinghouse, 

Jerome, 

Hall, 

Badger, 

Eddy, 

Pitts, 

Emery, 



Separator and cleaner 
do 

Separator, 

do 

Separator and cleaner 

Separator, 

Thrasher only, . . . 
Separator and cleaner 
Separator, 






861 
710 
954 
489 

1000 
850 

1080 
934 
840 



u ^ 



inn i::; 



L02 

103 
50 
LOO 
KM 
inn 
100 
1U2 



161 

200 
85 
L92 
L56 
171 
194 
L69 



Is is 



P5 



15.9 
22.7 
20.9 
17.4 

ID. 2 
IS. 4 
16.1 
20.8 
20.1 






i::iiii 
1700 
1450 
1600 
1650 
16(10 
L500 
1350 
1550 



13 

54 
131 



17! 
10| 



M 



s.* 
s. 

E. C 

E.C 

S. 

E.C 

S. 

s. 

E.C 



If the relation between the wheat and straw had been equal in 
the several parcels, the fifth column would have determined the 
comparative values of the machines so far as their ability to sepa 



* In the 10th column S. means sweep principle, E. C. endless chain power. 



32 

rate all the grain was concerned. But throughout these trials 
the constant aim has been to avoid a reliance upon opinions : an 
earnest endeavor lias been used to ascertain and record facts in 
relation to each machine with the nearest practicable approach 
to mathematical accuracy, and from such premises to determine 
merits and excellences. 

It would mislead the farmers of this State, and do injustice to 
the inventors, if the results exhibited in the above table were al- 
lowed to stand as a correct exhibit of the ability of the several 
machines to separate the wheat from the straw. 

It was obvious when inspecting the various parcels of wheat, 
that a difference existed with respect to the quantity of grain and 
straw in each ; some were free from grass and weeds, uhile oth- 
ers were materially affected by them : another portion was much 
injured by the wheat fly or midge, while a part w r as free from 
this insect. 

It seemed clear, therefore, that the table would present an im- 
perfect test ; an incidental occurrence proved the truth of this 
position. Messrs. Hall and Westinghouse were of opinion that 
their machines were not accurately tested in relation to time, and 
they were allowed to make a second trial. It was evident there 
could be no difference in the ability of each machine to thrash 
clean on the first and second trial, yet Westinghouse during his 
second trial obtained 164 pounds of wheat from 748 pounds of 
straw, equal to 21.9 per cent., and being one per cent, more than 
on his first trial ; while Hall obtained 100 pounds of wheat from 
1000 pounds of straw, equal to 16 per cent., being 3.2 per cent. 
less than on his first trial. Such discrepancies in machines when 
tried against themselves impair confidence in the test, although 
we obtain useful matter for judgment and establishing com- 
parisons. 

The following table brings to view various interesting particu- 
lars respecting the thrashing machines exhibited at Geneva : 



33 



Woodbury's 
Scovill's, . . , 
AYestinghouse . 
Jerome, . 
Hall, . . 
Badger, 
Eddy, . 
Pitts, . . 
Emery, 



Cm 


Cm 
O 

M 0) 

« *3 


Cm 

O . 

^ 9 


o 

.a 


bDQ 

a S 


if 






H? » 


Inches. 


^ » 


£ 


Inches. 


Pounds. 


Pounds. 


32 


15 


204 


1000 


32 


14 


180 


1300 


24 


14 


125 


300 


22 


14 




300 


30 


14 




1200 


28 


16 


135 


300 


23 


Hi 


175 


350 


32 


16 


100 


1200 


26J 


i*i 


110 


400 



Dollars. 

145 

150 
40 
35 

150 
35 
40 

150 
35 



Cm 




O 




■*»£ 




tog 


Jt 






o 


£ 


^ 


rt 


Inohes. 


Inches. 


H 


3 
8 


2 


3-16 


1| 


3-16 


1* 


3-16 








5 


If 


5 


H 


8 


H 




ij 


8 



Undershot. 
Undershot. 
Overshot. 

Overshot. 

Undershot. 

Undershot. 

Undershot. 

Undershot. 

Overshot. 



These machines are so similar in their power of separating 
grain from straw, that any preference must arise from other con- 
siderations. 

The cylinders all revolve at so high a rate of speed it becomes 
important to protect the journals from the gritty particles of dust 
which are always flying in profusion while thrashing : thorough 
lubrication is also essential. To secure these desirable ends, in- 
ventors have provided special contrivances ; they cover the ori- 
fices for lubrication with close fitting tin covers to exclude grit 
and dust. In some instances a candlewick passes through a 
tube in the box which at one end touches the journal, and at the 
other communicates with a cup- shaped cavity on the box, filled 
with oil, from which cup it passes to the journal by capillary at- 
traction. This contrivance was used by Westinghouse and 
worked well, while the machine was under examination. Tal- 
low was used on Pitts' machine, being placed within a collar on 
the upper box, covered by the tin cap ; a straw is thrust through 
the tallow to the journal. Through this hole thus made oil is 
poured for lubrication. If by neglect the supply of oil is defi- 
cient, the journal becomes heated, melting the tallow, and for 
the time perfect lubrication ensues. These contrivances are 
among the best presented, to guard against negligence ; but the 
farmer must esteem them only as expedients never to be relied 
on for the preservation of his machinery : due attention and uni- 
form application of substances to lessen friction, are not to be 
omitted with impunity. 

Pitts' machine is furnished with an open cylinder : this is 
deemed objectionable as some of the heads of wheat or other 

5 



34 

grain are lost by falling through the open spaces. This loss was 
particularly noticed when the Pitts machine was working with 
the endless chain power, at which time it was divested of the 
cleaning apparatus. When, however, the cleaning apparatus was 
attached, it made clean work, as the falling heads were carried 
hack by elevators and thrashed over until they were clean. A 
marked difference in value exists, therefore, adverse to the use 
of open cylinders, unless accompanied by apparatus for re-con- 
veying the loose-falling heads to the cylinder. 

Westinghouse's cylinder moves upon steel journals ; movable 
tin curtains are supplied to keep dust and stones from the face of 
the operator; in other respects there is little if any difference 
from other machines. 

The plan and construction of Eddy & Co.'s machine recom- 
mend it for durability and ease of repair. The cylinder is formed 
by a series of iron rings on an iron shaft passing through their 
center ; two wrought iron arms pass from near the center of 
each ring through the circumference, and by their projection be- 
yond it, form the teeth of the cylinder, which is hollow, not liable 
to burst or fly apart, and in case of fracture may be repaired with 
great facility. 

It will be noticed in the table that with the exception of Sco- 
vill's, Eddy's cylinder is the heaviest, and therefore at equal 
speed would have the greatest momentum, and if the resistance 
was uniform would absorb the most power : but in thrashing, 
when motion is obtained from horse power, the resistance is ir- 
regular, and we apprehend the weight of the cylinder will not 
in fact require more power, but in effect operate like a fly wheel 
equalizing motion. 

The simplicity of construction of this machine, and its general 
excellence, obtained commendation from every member of the 
committee. 

In relation to the teeth of cylinders, a difference of | of an 
inch is observable in the various machines. (See the table.) No 
special difference in the performance of their work was observa- 
ble, as derived from the length of the teeth ; the prevailing < (pin- 
ion is therefore that the shortest are to be preferred, as by their 
smaller leverage they are less liable to fracture. 



For many years grain was thrashed by portable machines and 
left in the chaff", to be cleaned at the convenience of the farmer. 
The inventive genius of our people next presented to the agricul- 
turist a combination of parts whereby the grain was thrashed, 
winnowed, and delivered clean for the granary, at one opera- 
tion. 

These latter machines are fast increasing in number, and four 
of this class w T ere presented for trial, while five simple thrashers 
were exhibited ; all in competition for the same premiums. The 
class of thrashers with separators and cleaning apparatus, con- 
sisted of machines presented by Pitts, Scovill, Woodbury, and 
Hall. The simple thrashers were those of Emery, Westinghouse, 
Eddy, Badger and Jerome. 

These distinct classes cannot be compared with each other: 
and your committee have viewed them as unconnected. The 
great difference in weight and cost of these classes is distinctly 
noticeable in the table. 

For the purpose of comparing the cheapness of thrashing by 
these two classes, it may be assumed that 4500 sheaves (or any 
other number) is the average quantity of work per day for Pitts 
machine ; and that 360 pounds of clean wheat is the yield from 
each 100 sheaves: these 3 6 n - Y 4 * ■ gives 270 bushels of clean 
W'heat per day. The machine requires eight horses at 50-100 
per day each, and seven men at one dollar each, making an ag- 
gregate cost of $11 per day, or 4 cents and 7 mills per bushel. 

The table shows that Emery's machine requires twice the time 
to perform the same work that Pitts' machine will accomplish : 
therefore Emery will thrash 135 bushels per day. To perform 
this work Emery requires five men and two horses, the aggregate 
cost of which is, at rates before stated, $6 per day, or 4 cents 44 
mills per bushel. 

The difference is 37 mills per bushel in lavor of Pitts' ma- 
chine, which is increased by whatever the cost may be of win- 
nowing the grain thrashed by Emery's machine and left in the 
chaff. This difference will pay the extra interest on the cost of 
the larger machine, the expense of keeping it in repair, and the 
cost of an elevator to remove the straw to the stack yard. 



36 

These advantages belong alike to all the machines of the class 
of which Pitts' is the representative. 

Not a particle of thrashed grain passed over with the straw of 
Pitts' thrasher, neither could any heads be found from which the 
grain was not thoroughly thrashed out. While, however, great 
and well deserved credit is due to this machine for thoroughness 
of work and its facilities for repair, it is to be regretted that more 
attention has not been given to durability and solidity of struc- 
ture : it is worthy of the best workmanship, which in the speci- 
men exhibited is in a ratio far below its merits. 

The same negligence and inattention seems to prevail generally 
in machinery and implements for the farmer's use, inflicting se- 
rious injuries upon the cultivator, and discredit upon the me- 
chanics who prepare them. 

In Hall & Thompson's machine it was discovered that a little 
yet a very little wheat passed over with the straw ; and the 
heads were not as perfectly thrashed as by Pitts'. Yet on the 
whole the performance was very satisfactory. 

Woodbury's machine is novel in its construction, and the ad- 
justment by which the horses can be stopped immediately is very 
useful in practice. The belt being carried above the horses re- 
lieves them from the necessity of stepping over it : it is very por- 
table, but it did not thrash well — a constant stream of grain was 
passing over the apron with the straw, and the heads seemed im- 
perfectly thrashed. 

Scovell's machine also wasted the grain too much to be used 
with advantage. 

In the class of Thrashing Machines without any cleaning appa- 
ratus, it has been remarked that but little actual difference exis- 
ted in respect to the mere power of separating the grain from the 
straw : hence the chief difference between them is in durability, 
workmanship, power required to work them, and cost. 

Emery & Co.'s machine is thoroughly built, the journals run 
in Babbett metal boxes, and consuming no more power than 
others of its class, has the advantage of economy in the first cost- 



37 

Badger's Thrasher and separator did not entirely fulfil the ex- 
pectations formed by many. The differences, however, between 
this and the more perfect machines on the ground, need not pre- 
vent its use, for these differences are slight though palpably suffi- 
cient to make a discrimination. 



HORSE POWERS— SWEEP OR LEVER. 

The following table exhibits the most important facts in rela- 
tion to Horse Powers on the sweep or lever principle. 



Eddy & Co. (iron,)., 
Eddy & Co. (wood,) . 

Woodbury j 

Wakcley, 

Pitts, (iron.) 

Pitts, (wood.) 

Scovell, 



18 
IS 
54 
50 
54 
54 



« 



82 

82 

125i 



200 
200 



to 

"> • 
'£ ^ 

■a 3 

* a 

XT. U 

.1& 

s * 



255 
250 
212 
372 
550 
610 



16 
20 
30 
16 
30 
30 



Hall&Co.,..' 1 1,600 



IS 

ft 



20 
22 

20 

25 

23 2-12 

24 



Dols. Pounds. 



100 
100 
10O 



1,250 
7,200 



^ fit's 

15.94 
12.50 



23.25 
18.33 
20.33 



The data in this table show that the greatest effect produced 
by a given draft is by the Wakeley power : in other respects also, 
this seems to be a good machine. It is constructed on what has 
been termed the " sun and planet system"; the teeth are carefully 
formed, upon true principles; friction is reduced, and the work- 
manship throughout is substantial. 

HORSE POWERS ON THE ENDLESS CHAIN PRINCIPLE. 
In the absence of Dynamometers applicable to a determination 
of the force required for operating horse powers on the endless 
chain principle, your committee adopted the following plan : — 
Every platform on which the horses tread was elevated to form 
an angle of 13 degrees with a level base line; two men whose 
weights were ascertained, were placed on the platform, and the 
number of revolutions of the driving wheel derived from their 
gravity was ascertained by the speedometer ; the length of plat- 
form required to make one revolution of the driver was carefully 
measured. From these data the length of platform passed oyer 
by the men in one minute was readily obtained, and with the 



38 



length of the platform and two angles being known, the elevation 
attained by the men in one minute, walking on the platform, was 
ascertained; or in other words, the heighth of a perpendicular 
line in the direction of which a weight would be raised, by a given 
power on an inclined plane. 

With these facts carefully obtained and noted, the following 
results were ascertained, and are here exhibited in tabular form : 



EXHIBITORS. 


o o 
.a o 
+= o 

o ,H 

17! "3 

it 6 

111 

*- 3 


Length of plat- 
form moved to 
produce one re- 
volution of the 
band wheel. 


Length of plat- E 
form travelled 1 

over in one mi- 1 
nute. 


Number of feet 
raised perpendi- 
cularly in one 
minute. 


Weight raised 
thro' perpendi- 
cular space. 


Traction in lbs to 
start the mach. 
from a state of 
rest. 


a 
o 

41 a 
"•5 




Inches. 


Feet. 


Feet. 


Pounds. 


Pounds. 


Pounds. 


Emery & Co., . 
Westinghousc,. 
Pitt< 


430 
386 
205 
218 


101 

H 

14 
10 


372 
229 
239 
181 


83.68 
51.51 
53.76 
40.72 


52.18 
52.18 
52.18 
52.18 


50 
54 
42 
50 


232 
232 
232 




233 



A second trial was made with these machines, placing six men 
on the platform, whose aggregate weight was 925 pounds. The 
thrashing machines were attached to the powers, and the follow- 
ing results obtained : 





o <u 

5§ 


tform 
oduce 
on of 

3Cl. 


a.s 

u 
o 


A >> 

g cS . 


m 


M 

o 




o .a 




rt > • 


»(!" 




.fl 




<n "a 


■a°5 


<S'^ a 


s -a 






•2-3 ^ 


gth of 
>ved to 
e revol 
e band 


's'Sl 


° * a 


si 


Cm 

o 




3 *& 


•3% 3 


•2 Si c 


*j a . 
•° Si ° 


boa 




£ia 


§a§3 

h-I 


s "5 a 




|s 




240 


lOjj 


207 


46.56 


208.80 


925 




256 


H 

14 
10 


152 


34.19 


208.80 


925 




91 
150 


106 
125 


23.81 
28.12 


208.80 
208.80 


925 




925 







This test did not. furnish a comparative value of the machines 
as close as desirable ; for the thrashing machines attached to the 
powers were of various sizes, with unequal momenta, and subject 
to various degrees of friction. 

The committee endeavored to correct this source of difference, 
at Utica, during the Fair, by testing each horse power with the 
same thrashing machine. Upon this occasion, five men, weigh- 
ing in the aggregate 714 pounds, were placed on the platform of 
each machine, elevated as before to 13 degrees 7 and the follow- 
ing comparative results were obtained : 



39 



EXHIBITORS. 


o o 

«5» 
n rr o> 
2'- -a 

— *^3 ^ 
g © S 


Length of plat- 
form moved to 
produce one re- 
volution of the 
driving wheel. 


Number of feet 
travelled on the 
platform. 


Perpendicular 
elevation. 


Weight raised 
throughthe per- 
pendicular space. 


<** 

o 
u 

DO O 

•2 .2 
5% 

o ° 

> "> 


Weight of the 5 
men. 




259 
217 
360 


101 

n 

10 


224 
129 
300 


50.39 
29.02 
67.48 


160.62 
160.62 
160.62 


1996 
1390 
2160 


714 
7H 
714 







Mr. Pitts was not present at Utica with his machine. 
It is obvious from the foregoing tables, that Badger's machine 
works with the least friction ; or, in other words, gravity gives to 
his machine a greater amount of useful power than to either of 
the other machines on trial, having the advantage in regard to 
the revolutions of the cylinder of seven and a half per cent, over 
Emery & Co., and a still greater advantage over Westinghouse. 
In regard to the power exhibited by the weight descending the 
platform, it appears that the same weight moved Badger's plat- 
form 300 feet, and Emery & Co.'s 224 feet, the difference (76 feet) 
being 25 1 per cent, in favor of Badger's power. 

Badger's power is well made, and in this respect deserves much 
credit ; yet in this excellence he is exceeded by Emery & Co. 
The platform of Badger's horse power rolls over friction wheels 
of unusually large diameter. It is a rack and pinion power, the 
lugs being connected by strong iron links, and the rack, though 
straight, is provided with teeth increasing in depth as they ap- 
proach the exterior edges of the pieces into which it is divided, 
and is perforated in the center of each piece to accommodate the 
convexity of the pinion while passing over it. This perforation 
weakens the pieces and increases their liability to fracture ; from 
their structure, a rubbing action seems to be inevitable, causing 
rapid wear. 

The platform of Emery & Co.'s power rolls over reels furnish- 
ed with clutches so disposed that the action of the rods is ever 
nearly in a direction of a tangent to the circle, and therefore acts 
to the best advantage. This arrangement seems less liable to 
wear than any other, and the entire contrivance and perfection 
of the work gives to it a marked superiority. 

Three one horse powers were next submitted for trial. Two 
men weighing together 317i pounds were placed on the plat- 
forms, and to each power was successively attached the same 
thrashing machine. The following results were obtained : 

Emery & Co. produced 950 revolutions of the cylinder. 

Badger ' " 630 " « 

Jerome " 595 " « 



10 



STEAM ENGINES FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. 

One engine only for agricultural purposes was presented for 
trial. No sufficient arrangement could be conveniently made on 
the trial ground to secure the engine in a solid position and to 
avoid vibration ; hence a difficulty occurred preventing the use 
of a dynamometer of rare excellence, procured from the Hadley 
Falls Company. Under these circumstances it was determined 
to have a more perfect trial of Messrs. Hoard & Bradford's porta- 
ble steam engine, at Utica, during the week of the State Fair. 

The attention of the Society and of farmers of this State has 
been invited to several attempts within a few past years to em- 
ploy steam in the place of animals, as a motive power for thrash- 
ing, sawing, and all farm work which may be accomplished by 
fixed or portable engines. We are not informed that any farmer 
in this State has adopted them, though much interest has been 
felt in the improvement of engines and their nearer approach to 
perfection. Extended inquiries are necessary, and many well 
established evidences will be demanded to show that steam can 
be employed in our farm operations with economy, prudence and 
safety. The farmer will compare the cost of an engine, the fuel 
and wages for working it, with cost, food and care of horses : the 
wear of the engine must be computed, as well as the depreciation 
of animals by age and hard labor. It is not necessary to enter 
into these estimates now, yet they are mentioned to draw the at- 
tention of farmers to an auxiliary highly esteemed and exten- 
sively employed in other countries. 

It is regretted that Messrs. Hoard & Bradford did not present 
their engine at Utica for further trial, as your committee was pre- 
pared to devote much time to its examination : they had purposed 
to lay before the farmers of New-York an account of existing im- 
provements in this branch of agricultural machinery, as a motive 
power for their uses, and to have examined the comparative values 
of fuel whether of coals or wood ; thus leading the mind to in- 
quiries which at an early day will probably be forced upon our 
consideration. Messrs. H. & B. were prevented from attending 
by the sickness of the men in their employ. 

Among other important questions, even now claiming our care, 



41 

is the relative value of portable and stationary powers. It is a 
question which should earnestly engage the consideration of the 
farmer who uses the power of horses with machinery, for it ma- 
terially affects the economy of the farm, in the disposition of the 
buildings and various means for the protection of grain crops. 

Knowing that steam power is employed in British husbandry, 
and that it is claimed to be a source of economy and profit, it 
seems to be a fair field for American enterprise and ingenuity, to 
seek a result as successful in the application of steam to farm 
labor, as has been achieved on our rivers, our roads, and on the 
ocean. 

PRICES OF MACHINES. 

Before closing this report your committee ask attention to the 
column of prices or marketable values, in the table, as declared 
by the several proprietors of machines presented for trial. It 
has long been a source of annoyance to the farmer to be urged 
and pressed to purchase agricultural machinery at exorbitant 
prices, under the plea that patent right expenses forbid a less 
selling price. But aside from all excuses thus offered, there is 
sound reason to believe that the farmer usually pays more than 
twenty-five per cent, beyond a reasonable compensation for the 
machinery purchased by him. To illustrate this position in part, 
your committee were informed by Manny, the proprietor of the 
Illinois patent adjustable reaper, that " his price in Illinois was 
$135, but with increased facilities for manufacturing had reduced 
the price to $125 ; and with far greater facilities for manufactur- 
ing here, (New- York,) materials being only about one half the 
cost, and labor easier obtained and cheaper, my price here would 
be reduced to $100 without the platforms, and with three extra 
knives, with platforms, $105. You will understand the machine 
exclusively for mowing, $100; for mowing and reaping com- 
bined, $105." 

In addition to the foregoing there is reason to believe that 
these Illinois machines may be constructed for $60 to $75 each. 
We would by no means interfere with rights or privileges in any 
form ; but we deem it a paramount duty to guard the interests 
of the farmer. When all parties are well informed in regard to 

6 



42 

labor applied, and its 'products in articles not of agricultural ori- 
gin, then demand and supply will fairly regulate each other. 

The continued duties of your committee at Utica, in relation 
to the machines presented for trial at Geneva, prevented an ex- 
amination of many excellent machines and implements presented 
at the annual fair : it was due to the exhibitors that a more ex- 
tended notice should be taken of them, than could be accom- 
plished. A roughly made grain reaper, and evidently a first ex- 
periment, attracted notice by the novel action of the knives ; the 
blades forming a triangle, and the cutting edge inclining at an 
angle of about 40" with the base. These knives are attached to 
an endless chain, each one passing through a finger, against the 
edge of which it operates with an oblique or drawing motion. 
By this arrangement there is no vibration and no dead points to 
overcome. The base of the knife is 4i inches, the perpendicular 
being 3| inches ; each blade moves 18 feet for every revolution of 
the driving wheel. There are points about this machine deserv- 
ing encouragement. 

We have thus presented such facts derived from the trials of 
Implements and Machinery, as will we trust meet the desired 
ends of the Executive Committtee. We have combined therewith 
remarks which may not be deemed strictly relevant, yet they 
flow from the subjects treated, and may be acceptable and useful 
to the farmer, as well as conducive to our agricultural advance- 
ment. 

After mature deliberation, we adjudge and award the premi- 
ums oifered by the society, as follows : 



A W A E D S 



Crtnl nf Siujfaiwits nnir JHnrjjiratj nt irnrna. 



To T. D. Burr all, of Geneva, New- York, for the best, Grain Reaper — 
Diploma and $50. 
J. H. Manny, of Wadham's Grove, 111., for the second best Grain 

Reaper, (convertible for grass mowing) — $30. 
Seymour & Morgan, of Brockport, N. Y., for the third best Grain 
Reaper— #20. 

Mowing Machines. 
J. H. Manny, of Wadham's Grove, 111., for the best Mowing Machine, 

(convertible for reaping) — Diploma and $50. 
Howard & Co., of Buffalo, New- York, for the second best Mowing 
Machine^S30. 

Grain Drills. 
Pierpont Seymour, of East Bloomficld, Ontario Co., New- York, for 

the best Grain Drill — Diploma and $25. 
Bickford & Huffman, of Wayne Co., New- York, for the second 

best Grain Drill — $15. 
S. R. Tracy, of Newark, Wayne Co., New- York, for the third best 

Grain Drill— $10. 

Horse Power, on the Lever Principle. 
J. A. Pitts, of Buffalo, New- York, for the_best Horse Power for 

general purposes — Diploma and $25. 
Eddy, Dyer & Co., of Union Village, New- York, for the second 

best— $15. 

Horse Power, on the Endless-Chain Principle. 
Emery & Co., of Albany, New-York, for the best Horse Power, 

Endless Chain — Diploma and $25. 
E. W. Badger, of Fly Creek, Otsego Co., New- York, for the second 

best— $15. 



44 

Horse Poiver — Iron. 

B. H. Wakeley, of McLean, Tompkins Co., New- York, for the best 

Iron Horse Power — Diploma and $25. 
Eddy, Dyer & Co., of Union Village, Washington Co., New-York, 

for the second best — s l 5. 
J. A. Pitts, of Buffalo, New-York, for the third Lest— $10. 

Thrashing Machines, with Cleaning Apparatus. 
J. A. Pitts, of Buffalo, New- York, for the best Thrashing Machine, 

with Cleaning Apparatus — Diploma and $10. 

Hall & Thompson, of Rochester, New-York, for the second best — $8. 

Thrashing Machines, without Cleaning Apparatus. 
Eddy, Dyer & Co., of Union Village, Washington Co., New- York, 
for the best Thrashing Machine, without Cleaning Apparatus — 810. 

Seed Planters. 
Joshua Woodward, of Haverhill, New Hampshire, for the best Seed 

Planter — Diploma and $10. 

Cultivators for general purposes. 

S. R. Tracy, of Newark, AVaync Co., for the best Cultivator for gene- 
ral purposes — Diploma and $10. 

Henry Howe, of Canaudaigua, Ontario Co., New- York, for the second 
best— $8. 

Broad Cast Sowers. 
Pierpont Seymour, of East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New- York, for 
the best Broad Cast Sower — Diploma and $10. 

J. DELAFIELD, 
ROSWELL HARMON, 
ANTHONY VAN BERGEN, 
JONATHAN EDGECOMB, 
J. STANTON GOT l.D, 
SANFORD HOWARD, 
E. P. PRENTICE, 
GEORGE GEDDES, 
JOHN MALLORY, 
ANDREW J. EEERMANCE, 
JOSEPH E. HOLMES, 

Co/nmiltcc. 



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